Rising from the Ashes (Andrew) novel Chapter 1227

Suddenly, a thought sparked in Mosby's mind, and his entire face lit up as he burst into laughter. "The Crimson Dynasty's Ten Great Treasures… now that's an absolute fortune.

"Sure, most treasure stories through the ages are nothing but legends. People have always said the Ten Great Treasures were just old myths. But more often than not, even lies can carry fragments of reality.

"The treasure map held by the Bates family is one of those fragments—hidden in plain sight, woven in half-truths. And if I get my hands on it, then riches beyond imagination are already within reach!"

As he finished speaking, Mosby clenched his raised fist as though he could already feel mountains of gold and silver folding into his palm.

Old Hayface was staring with wide-eyed greed. He licked his lips and asked eagerly, "Mr. Lake, is the treasure held by the Bates family really that miraculous? I mean… what if it's just another fantasy? Something someone made up to throw people off?"

Mosby gave him a rare approving nod. "It's good that you're thinking critically. That means you're not completely hopeless. But don't forget—our Holtrien ancestors were no fools. Just like I said earlier, truth and lies often blur together. That's what makes things so hard to pin down.

"Most folks today think treasure tales are played out, just superstitions. But it's exactly that dismissiveness that allowed families like the Bates to safeguard the real thing through generations.

"I'm telling you—there's no doubt. Because I've already traced the whereabouts of a few more missing map fragments. The others are hard to get at for now… but Ronan? He's the softest target on the board."

Old Hayface's excitement nearly made him tremble. He leaned in, eyes gleaming. "Mr. Lake, you already have leads on the other pieces? Could you maybe—just maybe—satisfy your loyal apprentice's curiosity and tell me what you've found?"

Mosby smirked and shot him a look. Then, with agonizing slowness, he uttered just two words. "Not… happening."

Old Hayface blinked. "Huh?"